Beverage container

ABSTRACT

A beverage container which, upon receiving a prescribed item, substantially inhibits movement of the prescribed item within the container and can restrict the ability of an individual to apply pressure to the contained prescribed item, wherein the container is capable of mating with a cup holder.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) from earlier filedU.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/658,350, filed Mar. 1, 2005,by Julie D. Steele, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

This patent application relates, generally, to beverage containers andmore specifically to beverage containers which are designed to mate withcup holders and inhibit accidental squeezing of the contained beverageand subsequent accidental discharge of the contained beverage.

When juice boxes, juice bags or other squeezable contained beverages aregiven to small children, they inevitably squeeze the container, squirtthe beverage everywhere and make a huge mess. Many caregivers choose notto give juice boxes, juice bags or other squeezable contained beveragesto small children for this very reason. Juice boxes, juice bags andother squeezable contained beverages, however, are so easy to use,readily portable, and extremely convenient that many caregivers wouldwelcome a way for small children to easily hold them without squeezingand making a mess.

Furthermore, various containers for boxed and bagged beverages exist,such as the “Juice Box Holder” manufactured by Danara Int'l, Ltd and the“Grip 'n Sip Juice Box Carrier” manufactured by Munchkin, Inc. However,these products are generally rectangular in shape and do not mate withor engage a cup holder. Thus, while many vehicles, child safety carseats, strollers, highchairs, and trays offer convenience cup holdersfor cylindrically-shaped beverage containers they generally do notappropriately accommodate boxed beverages.

Most boxed beverages have at least one dimension which is too large topermit the boxed beverage to be securely engaged by a convenience cupholder. Thus, current juice box holders, generally, are not compatiblewith the convenience cup holders increasingly offered in vehicles, childsafety car seats, strollers, highchairs, trays, or any other place wherea cup holder may be available. It is the classic “square peg in a roundhole” problem, or in the case of most boxed beverages, rectangular pegin a round hole.

Moreover, the existing containers are generally shaped to accommodate asingle sized boxed or bagged beverage and generally cannot be adapted toaccommodate boxed or bagged beverages of another size.

What is needed is a container that can hold a variety of boxed or baggedbeverages such that the contained beverage cannot be accidentally orpurposefully squeezed by the child and which can be selectively mated orcoupled with a cup holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a beverage container.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of the lid of the beverage containerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of a lid for the beveragecontainer depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the lid for the beveragecontainer depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the base of the beverage containerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the base of the beveragecontainer depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage containerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage containerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of the beverage containerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage containerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment of the base shown in FIGS. 1, 5& 6.

FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1,in use.

FIG. 13 depicts a variety of lids having various geometries.

FIG. 14 depicts a variety of internal stabilizers having variousgeometries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a beverage container 100. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the beverage container 100 includes a base102 and a lid 104.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 has a generallytruncated conical shape that is designed to conveniently couple with agenerally cylindrical cup holder. However, in alternate embodiments thebase 102 can have a substantially cylindrical shape and/or anyconvenient geometry which would allow the base 102 to couple with agenerally cylindrical cup holder.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lid 104 is adapted todisengageably attach to the base 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,the lid 104 and base 102 can be press-fitted together. However, inalternate embodiments, the base 102 and lid 104 can be coupled with afastener and/or any known and/or convenient mechanism of coupling itemsin a disengageable manner. In some embodiments, the base 102 and the lid104 can be permanently coupled.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lid 104 includes a penetration106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the penetration 106 has asubstantially truncated cruciform shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG.1, a first arm 108 of the cruciform shape can have a first geometry andthe second arm 110 of the cruciform shape can have a second geometry.However in alternate embodiments, the cruciform shape can be uniformand/or substantially uniform. In still further alternate embodiments,the penetration 106 can have any known and/or convenient geometry. Insome embodiments, the geometry of the penetration 106 can be selectedsuch that at least some of the edges of the penetration will engage atleast a portion of the perimeter of an item inserted through thepenetration 106. In some embodiments, the penetration 106 can have ageometry adapted to engage at least some of the edges of a containedbeverage, such as boxed juices, bagged juice, milk and the like. Howeverin alternate embodiments, the penetration 106 can have a geometry suchthat the edges of the penetration 106 can engage any desired item.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 includes a non-slipsegment 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the non-slip segment 112extends around the exterior of the base 102 and is located inapproximately the central ⅓ of the height of the base 102. In alternateembodiments, the non-slip segment 112 can be located in any convenientarea on the base 102 and can cover any convenient area and/or areas ofthe exterior surface of the base 102. In still further alternateembodiments, the non-slip segment 112 may not be present.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the lid 104 shown in FIG. 1. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lid 104 includes a penetration 106 and aperimeter recess 202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the perimeterrecess 202 is adapted to selectively engage the lip of the base 102 in apress-fit, disengageable manner. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, theperimeter recess 202 has a substantially bulbous partially ellipticalshape, adapted to selectively engage the lip of the base 102. However inalternate embodiments, the perimeter recess 202 can have any knownand/or convenient geometry. In still further alternate embodiments, theperimeter recess 202 may not be present.

In some embodiments the lid 104 can be adapted for use with any base 102and/or bases having various geometric properties.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the lid 104 shown in FIG. 1.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the penetration 106 is substantiallyin the shape of a multi-pointed, non-uniform star 302. In someembodiments, the geometry of the penetration 106 can be selected suchthat various containers can be engaged by various edges of thepenetration 106 such that a container can be substantially restrainedfrom movement within the plane of the lid 104.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lid 104 includes anchors 304. Theanchors 304 are adapted to selectively engage the base 102 such that thelid 104 can be selectively coupled with the base 102. However inalternate embodiments any known and/or convenient mechanism forselectively coupling items can be used. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the lid 104 and base 102 may not be selectively couplable.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the lid 104 shown in FIG. 1.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the penetration 106 is substantiallysquare and the perimeter of the penetration includes flexible,elastomeric members 402. In some embodiments, the elastomeric members402 are adapted to selectively engage an item inserted through thepenetration 106 and restrain movement of the item within the plane ofthe lid 104.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lid 104 can include a tab 404 tofacilitate separation of the lid 104 from the base 102.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lid 104 includes four elastomericmembers 402 uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the penetration106. However in alternate embodiments, any convenient number ofelastomeric members 402 can be included and the members 402 can be spacein any uniform or non-uniform pattern around the perimeter of thepenetration 106. In some embodiments, the flexible, elastomeric members402 can have a semi-circular shape. However in alternate embodiments,the elastomeric members 402 can have any convenient shape.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the base 102 of the beverage container100 shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base 102includes an aperture 502 at the bottom of the base 102, a perimeter lip504 at the top of the base 102 and handles 506.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base 102 has a generallytruncated conical shape adapted to engage a generally cylindrical and/ortruncated conical cup holder. However in alternate embodiments, the base102 can have any shape that can engage a generally cylindrical and/ortruncated conical cup holder.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base 102 is comprised of amaterial having sufficient stiffness, based on the geometry of the base102, such that the base 102 cannot be significantly deformed by achild's grip. In some embodiments, the base 102 can be comprised ofplastic, metal, and/or any known and/or convenient material.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the aperture 502 is generallycircular. However in alternate embodiments, the aperture 502 can haveany known and/or convenient shape. In still further alternateembodiments, the aperture can be partially covered, have a gratingand/or, in some embodiments, it may not be present.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the perimeter lip 504 is designed tomate with the perimeter recess 202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,the perimeter lip 504 is a press-fit mechanism. However in alternateembodiments, the lid 104 can engage the base 102 via a threadedmechanism and/or any other known or convenient mechanism.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base 102 can include one or morehandles 506. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. the base 102 includestwo handles 506 positioned substantially symmetrically about a verticalplane. However, in alternate embodiments the base 102 can include anyconvenient number of handles 506 positioned in any convenient locationsand/or orientations relative to the base 102. In some embodiments, thehandles can be comprised of a non-slip material and/or can have acomplete and/or regional coating of a non-slip material. In stillfurther alternate embodiments, the base 102 may not include handles.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the base 102 depicted in FIG.5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base 102 includes holes 602,protrusions 604 and a platform 606. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,the holes 602 are shown as being located near the perimeter lip 504 andbeing substantially uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the base102. However in alternate embodiments, the holes 602 can have anyconvenient geometry and can be located in any convenient locations onthe base 102. In some embodiments, the holes 602 can be located andsized to allow access of a users fingers to the beverage containedwithin the base 102 or for other utilitarian purpose. In someembodiments, the holes 602 may not be present.

In the embodiment show in FIG. 6, the base includes protrusions 604. Insome embodiments, the protrusions 604 can be located at various levelswithin the base 102. In some embodiments, the protrusions 604 can beadapted to selectively engage the platform 606 to effectively reduce thedepth of the base 102. However in alternate embodiments, the protrusions606 can be adapted to selectively engage contained beverages ofpredetermined sizes which are inserted into the base 102 and inhibit orrestrict movement of the contained beverage within the base 102. Instill further alternate embodiments, the protrusions may not be presentand restriction or inhibition of movement of an inserted containedbeverage can be controlled based on the geometric properties of the base102.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the platform 606 is depicted as asolid disc which can be selectively supported by the protrusions 604. Insome embodiments, the platform 606 can be solid or, at least partiallyperforated and/or can have any convenient geometry. In some embodiments,the platform 606 and base 102 can be adapted and/or configured such thatprotrusions are not necessary to support the platform 606 at apredetermined height within the base 102. In still further alternateembodiments, the platform 606 and/or protrusions 604 may not be present.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container 100shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the base 102 and lid104 are integrated, but the beverage container 100 consists of twoportions 702 coupled via a pivotal fastener 704 and the beveragecontainer 100 includes a closure mechanism 706.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the beverage container 100 is dividedinto two, substantially equal portions 702 through a vertical plane andthe two portions are pivotally coupled by a pivotal fastener 704 suchthat the beverage container 100 has a first open state and second closedstate. In alternate embodiments, the two portions can have anyconvenient proportional relationship.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the pivotal fastener 704 is a hingemechanism. However in alternate embodiments, the pivotal fastener 704can be any known and/or convenient mechanism. In still further alternateembodiments, the portions can be directly coupled such that they do notpivot relative to each other, but simply mate in a disengageable manner.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the closure mechanism 706 is depictedas a snap fastener. However in alternate embodiments, the closuremechanism can be any known and/or convenient fastening mechanism.

In a still further alternate embodiment, the base 102 and lid 104 can bea single integrated unit with a single fixed form.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container 100shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the beveragecontainer 100 comprises a base 102, divided into two portions 802 whichare pivotally connected and a lid 104 which can be selectively coupledwith the base 102 when the base 102 is in a closed position. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8, the lid 104 can be adapted such that whenthe lid 104 engages the base 102, the base is substantially fixed in theclosed position. However, in alternate embodiments, the base 102 caninclude a closure mechanism 706. In still further alternate embodiments,the two portions 802 can be entirely disengagable and can be selectivelymated and selectively coupled with the lid 104.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of the beverage container 100shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the lid 104 and thebase 102 of the beverage container are pivotally connected such that thelid 104 can pivot relative to the base 102 to open and close thebeverage container 100. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection canbe a hinge. However in alternate embodiments, any known and/orconvenient mechanism can be used to couple the lid 104 and the base 102.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternative embodiment of the beverage container 100shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the lid 104 and thebase 102 of the beverage container are coupled with a tether 1002. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the tether is integral with the lid104. However in some embodiments, the tether can be integral with thebase 102 and/or can be a component that is not integral with either thebase 102 or the lid 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the tether1002 is comprised of the same material as the lid 104. However inalternate embodiments, the tether 1002 can be comprised of any knownand/or convenient material.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container 100shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the beveragecontainer comprises a base 102 and an internal stabilizer 1102. Similarto the lid 102 described in FIGS. 1-4, the internal stabilizer 1102 canhave various properties, geometries, can be comprised of variousmaterials and can include various additional components. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 11, the internal stabilizer 1102 is adaptedwith a penetration 1104 which can selectively engage at least some ofthe edges and/or perimeter of a boxed and/or bagged contained beverage.The perimeter of the internal stabilizer 1102 can also engage theinterior of the base 102, such that movement of the contained beveragewithin the base 102 is substantially restricted within the plane of theinternal stabilizer and vertical movement of the contained beverage isrestricted by the base 102. The internal stabilizer can have anyconvenient geometry.

In some embodiments, the base 102 can include protrusions 604 adapted toengage the internal stabilizer 1102. In still further alternateembodiments the base 102 can include a platform 606 adapted to supportan inserted contained beverage and the platform 606 can be supported byprotrusions 604.

FIG. 12 depicts use of an embodiment of the beverage container 100depicted in FIG. 1. In operation, a user can remove the lid 104 of thebeverage container 100 and insert a platform 606 and/or an internalstabilizer 1102 into the base 102. The user can then insert a containedbeverage 1202 and then mate the lid 104 with the base 102. In operationas least some of the edges of the contained beverage 1202 will beengaged by the internal periphery of either the internal stabilizer 1102and/or the lid 104. The base 102 can then be inserted into a cup holderfor storage.

FIG. 13 depicts a variety of lids 104 having various geometries. Thelids 104 can be used with various boxed and/or bagged beverages and canengage any convenient container, other than the base 102, which can matewith a cup holder.

FIG. 14 depicts a variety of internal stabilizers 1102 having variousgeometries. The internal stabilizers 1102 can be used with various boxedand/or bagged beverages and can engage any convenient container, otherthan the base 102, which can mate with a cup holder.

In the foregoing specification, the embodiments have been described withreference to specific elements thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. Forexample, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering andcombination of process actions shown in the process flow diagramsdescribed herein is merely illustrative, and that using different oradditional process actions, or a different combination or ordering ofprocess actions can be used to enact the embodiments. The specificationand drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan restrictive sense.

1. A beverage container comprising: a substantially planar stabilizeradapted to selectively couple with at least one prescribed item andadapted to selectively couple with a prescribed container; wherein saidcontainer is geometrically proportioned to engage a cup holder; andwherein said stabilizer is adapted to substantially restrain movement ofsaid prescribed item within the plane of said stabilizer within saidprescribed container.